Rongopai holds the unique position of being one of the oldest wine brands in New Zealand. The name itself was introduced in 1932 and since then the name - a Maori word meaning "good taste & good feeling" has also become synonymous with quality.

The original site was in Te Kauwhata; a small, picturesque town in the centre of New Zealand's North Island. The building on this site was first constructed by the New Zealand government in 1902, as New Zealand's first viticultural research station. The aim of the research facility, which was headed by pioneer Romeo Bragato, was to understand New Zealand's soil and to implement a programme to establish varieties that would thrive in the diverse climatic conditions.

This same site where Romeo's groundbreaking work took place was used as Rongopai's winery from 1932 to 2007. The building has been restored with extensive renovations and modern upgrades, however much of the building's original features are maintained.

In 2007, Babich Wines took over the Rongopai Wines brand, moving the winemaking to the Babich Henderson site in West Auckland. Babich continues to use Rongopai’s established strategic relationships with growers throughout New Zealand ensuring they will always produce the best wine possible from any given vintage, and to give a broad selection and diverse resource for the Rongopai brand. Babich also have extensive plantings throughout New Zealand to source grapes from.